Wilson: Good Choice For Psc

July 15, 1985

ONCE AGAIN, Gov. Bob Graham`s choice of a new Public Service Commission member shows the wisdom of retaining the PSC as an appointed body.

Michael Wilson is exactly the kind of person who should be on the PSC but wouldn`t have any chance to be if it were made an elective office again. Wilson, 38, was just named by Graham to complete the unexpired term of resigned Commissioner Susan Leisner, which ends next Jan. 1. The job pays $61,159 a year.

The new commissioner has a unique insight into the workings of the PSC, because he has served as deputy public counsel in the PSC`s Office of the Public Counsel, which represents the interests of utility customers in PSC rate cases. Previously, he was an intern, analyst and counsel to state House committees on criminal justice and governmental operations, and also worked or the Departments of Insurance, Legal Affairs and Agriculture and an attorney in private practice.

Wilson`s legal training, his record of consumer advocacy and his technical knowledge of utility rate-setting make him an ideal candidate. Yet as an unknown, without a statewide political base and the ability to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions, he would have little chance of winning election to this post.

Graham surprised many people when he did not appoint State Rep. Fran Carlton, D-Orlando, after initially saying that he wanted to name a woman. Yet, by not naming her or Rep. Tom Brown, D-Port Orange, and instead choosing a professional PSC employee, Graham has further de-politicized this vital regulatory agency.

Floridians are far better off with an appointed PSC staffed with people chosen mainly for their expertise on matters related to utility regulation, than with the former elected PSC, chosen for ability to collectcampaign donations and votes.